2017 Alumnus of the Year

JULIUS B. THOMASRiverside City College, Class of 1986Distinguished counselor, philanthropist and political activist for higher education

Julius B. Thomas was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He came to
California on an assignment with the United States Air Force, where he
served as an active duty airman. In 1984, Thomas enrolled at Riverside
City College. During his time at RCC, he thrived as a scholar and
athlete for the Tigers Men's basketball team. He was an outstanding
student athlete who played baskeball for Coach David Waxman. He was
recruited by division one schools, but decided to stay local and
transferred to the University of California, Riverside, after graduating
from RCC with an associate of arts degree in Psychology and Sociology. [ Read More ]

2016 Alumnus of the Year

Virginia Blumenthal is known throughout the community for her expertise
in the courtroom and her dedication to Riverside Community College
District. ​ An alumna of Poly High School and Riverside City College,
Virginia’s Riverside roots are grounded deeply in her hometown. Her
parents lived in a Wood Streets home directly across from the College,
her mother attended a class and worked at RCC, and Virginia and her
sister learned early in life to work hard, care for others, and strive
to make a difference.
[ Read More ]

2015 Alumnus of the Year

ANA MARIA ESPINOZARiverside City College, Class of 1975Director of missionary organization, His for the Fields, and United Farm Workers Union activist

Espinoza,
who earned a nursing degree from RCC, credits the College for
developing her passion for change and social justice. She came seeking
purpose in her life, and it was at RCC where things began to click. “It
took me a long time to graduate from a two-year college,” said Espinoza,
who graduated from Corona High School in 1970 and from RCC in 1975,
“but I was working to support myself and I was really involved with the
union movement. I wouldn’t change one day of my time at RCC." [ Read More ]

2014 Alumnus of the Year

KATHY WRIGHT, Ed.D.Riverside City College, Class of 1968Retired Superintendent, Alvord Unified School District

Kathy Wright attended RCC in 1966 and transferred to San Diego State
University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree and teaching
credential. She earned her master’s degree from UC Riverside and
doctorate degree from the University of La Verne. Kathy spent 37 years
in education, first as a teacher then as a principal, assistant
superintendent and deputy superintendent. Wright serves on multiple
committees and boards, including the RCCD Foundation Scholarship
Committee, and is a member of the Greater Riverside Dollars for
Scholars.

2013 Alumnus of the Year

Known as one of America’s premier blues harmonica players, Rod Piazza
has recorded 24 albums, appeared as a guest performer on over 21
releases, and toured concert venues, blues clubs, and festivals
worldwide. He is credited with creating a style that combines Chicago
Blues with West Coast Swing, R&B, and Rock and Roll. Piazza
attended Riverside Community College from 1978 to 1979 lives and in
Riverside with his wife Honey.[ Read More ]

2012 Alumnus of the Year

DR. NICOLAS D. FERGUSONSuperintendent, Alvord Unified School District

If
the term Educational Renaissance Man were ever coined, it would
describe Dr. Nicolas Ferguson. A veteran educator, in his 44 years in
the K-12 world, Ferguson has served as a classified employee, an
elementary and secondary school teacher, a secondary counselor and
administrator, business manager, assistant superintendent, deputy
superintendent and superintendent. [ Read More ]

2011 Alumnus of the Year

NICK GOLDWARE

Nick
Goldware is a well-known business leader and executive vice president
of HUB International Insurance Services Incorporated. Goldware attended
RCC in the mid-60’s and played football under respected coach Bob Dohr.
In his professional life, Goldware has spent 40 years in the insurance
industry, first as an employee, then as a partner in his father’s firm,
and later as the owner of the largest independent insurance agency in
the Inland Empire. A respected civic leader, Goldware’s involvement
reflects the Goldware tradition of “helping to make the place where we
live and work a better place for all.”[ Read More ]

2010 Alumnus of the Year

Reverend Dr. JERRY LOUDER

Reverend Dr. Jerdall (Jerry) Louder is a Riverside native who has
devoted his life to helping others in need. In 1996, he became the
National President of the United States Pastors Association, which
represents all of the nation’s inner city churches and most of the
nation’s African American and Hispanic churches. Louder has a
well-earned reputation as a motivated and focused individual. As an RCC
student in the 1960s, he completed all 60 undergraduate units in one
year. He repeated this accomplishment at UC Riverside, finishing his
Psychology and Philosophy baccalaureate degree in 12 months. He
continued at UCR as a graduate student in the School of Administration
and later earned graduate degrees from USC and the Claremont Graduate
School. [ Read More ]